Palatal Expander

The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

Step 1

Palatal Expander How to
In a well-lit area, tip the patient’s head back.

Step 2

Orthodontist Palatal Expander
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.

Step 3

Palatal Expander Orthodontic Device
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.

Step 4

Orthodontic Palatal Expander
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.

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